If you’re searching for a meal that hits all the right notes—flavorful, hearty, quick, and healthy—the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is about to become your new obsession. This one-skillet wonder brings together smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, caramelized cabbage, and a splash of zesty lemon for a combo that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or want to impress a friend with something special, the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is guaranteed to bring happy smiles (and seconds) to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is gloriously simple, which means you can pull it together even on those nights when time is not your friend. Every item in this dish brings a burst of flavor or texture—and skipping just one would change the magic, so treat each with care!
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding moisture and a touch of richness to the skillet.
- Smoked sausage: Sliced into delicious coins, this gives the bowl its signature smoky, meaty bite; turkey sausage works beautifully for a lighter twist.
- Large shrimp: Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking, shrimp add a touch of seafood elegance and protein.
- Green cabbage: Core and thinly slice for tender, slightly sweet shreds that soak up all those flavors.
- Onion: Brings mellow sweetness and depth, especially when it gets all soft and golden.
- Garlic: Minced for a punch of aromatic zing that’s the backbone of every savory skillet meal.
- Smoked paprika: This spice gives both color and a smoky depth that makes the whole dish pop.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add just a pinch if you love a little jolt of heat with every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—taste as you go!
- Lemon juice: A fresh splash ties everything together and complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect finishing touch for color and herby freshness.
How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add in the sliced sausage. You want those lovely rounds to get nice and golden-brown on both sides, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Searing unlocks all their smokiness and adds irresistible crispy edges. Once browned, scoop them out and set aside—don’t worry, they’ll be back!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In the same skillet, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. They should sizzle immediately. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes—you’re aiming for pink and opaque, not rubbery. When they’re just perfect, remove them and set aside with the sausage. They’ll finish cooking through when reunited later.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic
Now it’s time to unlock big base flavors. Add your sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and sauté for just a minute or two until the onion’s soft and everything smells amazing. This sets the stage for the cabbage to soak up every ounce of flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Toss in your shredded cabbage along with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes. The cabbage will wilt, turn tender, and develop irresistible caramelized bits on the edges. This step is where the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl earns its soul!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Slide the cooked sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir so those flavors mingle and the proteins warm through. Turn off the heat, drizzle with lemon juice for brightness, toss with lots of chopped fresh parsley, and serve your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl piping hot.
How to Serve Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side are all you need to send this dish over the top. For an extra pop of color, you could also add diced red bell pepper or a scatter of green onions. The key is to keep the garnishes fresh and vibrant—they complement the warming flavors of your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bowl is plenty hearty on its own, but you can round out your meal with a loaf of crusty gluten-free bread, some creamy mashed potatoes, or even a scoop of cauliflower rice for a low-carb boost. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is also a refreshing way to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl by serving it in individual bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side, or pile it onto a large family-style platter for passing around the table. For a brunch twist, top each bowl with a fried egg, or use leftovers to fill lettuce wraps—everyone loves a meal that’s fun to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors meld beautifully, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to prep ahead. Portion the bowl into freezer-safe containers, making sure it’s fully cooled first. It’ll keep for up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture of the cabbage might soften further when thawed, but the taste will still be on point.
Reheating
To reheat your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl, pop individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving to bring back the brightness.
FAQs
Can I use precooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add the precooked shrimp at the very end, during the last minute of warming everything together, so they don’t get overcooked and rubbery.
Is this dish spicy?
The Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl has a subtle kick from the smoked paprika and optional crushed red pepper flakes, but you have full control over the heat. Feel free to adjust the spice to suit your preference.
What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end would all be fantastic additions. Just keep the cabbage as the main base for that classic bowl vibe.
Can I make this low-sodium?
Definitely! Choose a low-sodium or turkey sausage and go easy on the added salt—you’ll still get loads of flavor from the sausage, spices, and lemon.
Is Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as you double-check that your sausage is certified gluten-free. Most smoked sausages are, but it’s always good to be safe if you’re preparing for someone with allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bold, nourishing, and comforting, you really can’t go wrong with a Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl. It’s a dish that will surprise you with just how much flavor can come from such a quick and simple skillet supper—so gather your favorite people and dive in!
Print
Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl. A delicious combination of smoked sausage, succulent shrimp, and tender cabbage, seasoned to perfection and served with a zesty touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 small head green cabbage (cored and thinly sliced)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
